And he had an helmet of brass upon his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail; and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of brass.

1 SAMUEL 17:5KJV
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1 Samuel 17:5 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 17:5 mean?

1 Samuel 17:5 describes the armor worn by Goliath, focusing on his helmet made of brass and a heavy coat of mail, which weighed five thousand shekels of brass. This verse highlights the impressive and intimidating physical protection that Goliath had as he prepared for battle.

In the story, this description is given as part of the introduction to Goliath, the Philistine champion, as he faces the Israelite army. The details about his armor emphasize his strength and the challenge he presents, setting the stage for the dramatic confrontation with David.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 17:5

  • "helmet" (כּוֹבַע, kōvaʿ): This word refers to a helmet, likely a metal cap or head covering, showing that Goliath's head was well protected.
  • "brass" (נְחֹשֶׁת, nĕḥōsheth): This term is often used for bronze or copper alloys in the Old Testament, not just modern brass, suggesting Goliath's armor was made from strong, valuable metal.
  • "coat" (שִׁרְיָן, shiryan): This word means a coat of mail or scale armor, indicating overlapping metal pieces sewn onto a garment, which would have been both heavy and effective in battle.
  • "weight" (מִשְׁקָל, mishqal) and "shekels" (שֶׁקֶל, sheqel): The verse says the armor weighed five thousand shekels, which is about 125–150 pounds (57–68 kg), stressing just how massive and formidable Goliath was.

Why 1 Samuel 17:5 matters

  • This verse helps the reader understand why the Israelite soldiers were so afraid of Goliath—his armor alone made him seem unbeatable.
  • The detailed description of Goliath’s gear sets up a strong contrast with David, who later faces him without armor, highlighting the difference between worldly strength and faith.
  • Knowing the actual weight and type of armor gives a clearer picture of ancient warfare and the physical reality of the story, making the challenge David faced even more striking.

Where else these words appear

“helmet” Hebrew H3553 · used in 6 verses

  • 2 Chronicles 26:14 And Uzziah prepared for them throughout all the host shields, and spears, and helmets, and habergeons, and bows, and slings to cast stones.
  • Isaiah 59:17 For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke.
  • Ezekiel 27:10 They of Persia and of Lud and of Phut were in thine army, thy men of war: they hanged the shield and helmet in thee; they set forth thy comeliness.

“mail” Hebrew H7193 · used in 7 verses

  • Leviticus 11:9 These shall ye eat of all that are in the waters: whatsoever hath fins and scales in the waters, in the seas, and in the rivers, them shall ye eat.
  • Leviticus 11:12 Whatsoever hath no fins nor scales in the waters, that shall be an abomination unto you.
  • Deuteronomy 14:10 And whatsoever hath not fins and scales ye may not eat; it is unclean unto you.

“coat” Hebrew H8302 · used in 8 verses

  • 1 Samuel 17:38 And Saul armed David with his armour, and he put an helmet of brass upon his head; also he armed him with a coat of mail.
  • 2 Chronicles 18:33 And a certain man drew a bow at a venture, and smote the king of Israel between the joints of the harness: therefore he said to his chariot man, Turn thine hand, that thou mayest carry me out of the host; for I am wounded.
  • Nehemiah 4:16 And it came to pass from that time forth, that the half of my servants wrought in the work, and the other half of them held both the spears, the shields, and the bows, and the habergeons; and the rulers were behind all the house of Judah.

“weight” Hebrew H4948 · used in 42 verses

  • Genesis 24:22 And it came to pass, as the camels had done drinking, that the man took a golden earring of half a shekel weight, and two bracelets for her hands of ten shekels weight of gold;
  • Numbers 7:67 His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:
  • 1 Chronicles 28:14 He gave of gold by weight for things of gold, for all instruments of all manner of service; silver also for all instruments of silver by weight, for all instruments of every kind of service: